Firstly, the praise*g*. I thoroughly enjoyed the Erevis Cale trilogy thus far. For my tastes, you´ve given the "dark" Cale a perfect companion in Jak Fleet and also a great Nemesis in Riven )love that triumvirate). I was actually sold on Cale after I read the first short story in DRAGON. Looking forward to the final novel and I danced a happy jig in front of my computer (to the grave concern of my girlfriend) when I read about the fact, that there will be another trilogy. Thanks, too, for putting some spotlight on Mask once again*g*, that deity is just plain kewl.

Secondly, the question. I was pretty fascinated by Sephris and his "mathematical" approach to problems(quite unique and darn, if you didn´t put some cliffhangers/suspicion raisers/riddles for the reader there). Where did you get the idea for that from?

Firstly, the praise*g*. I thoroughly enjoyed the Erevis Cale trilogy thus far. For my tastes, you´ve given the "dark" Cale a perfect companion in Jak Fleet and also a great Nemesis in Riven )love that triumvirate). I was actually sold on Cale after I read the first short story in DRAGON. Looking forward to the final novel and I danced a happy jig in front of my computer (to the grave concern of my girlfriend) when I read about the fact, that there will be another trilogy. Thanks, too, for putting some spotlight on Mask once again*g*, that deity is just plain kewl.

Secondly, the question. I was pretty fascinated by Sephris and his "mathematical" approach to problems(quite unique and darn, if you didn´t put some cliffhangers/suspicion raisers/riddles for the reader there). Where did you get the idea for that from?

Dart,

Thank you.

Honestly, I'm not entirely sure where Sephris came from. I've always thought it interesting that music is, essentially, mathematics, so maybe I extrapolated from there. I also try to make any "Chosen" depicted in my books as paying a price for their specialness (so that partially explains Sephris's seeming insanity, his inability to just *stop* calculating, even for a short time).

Someone once told me that Sephris reminded them a bit of John Nash, the genius depicted in the movie "A Beautiful Mind," but I think I saw that movie long after I wrote Twilight Falling.

Not sure that's helpful, but there it is. As for the various hints that Sephris drops, let's talk again after Midnight's Mask.

Well, at least I know what the hype is all about now. "Twilight Falling" was a great read, impossible to put down and had a depth of characterization that I haven't encountered in a fantasy novel for a while. Time to buy the rest of the trilogy. Thanks Paul - great stuff.

-- George Krashos

"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus

Well, at least I know what the hype is all about now. "Twilight Falling" was a great read, impossible to put down and had a depth of characterization that I haven't encountered in a fantasy novel for a while. Time to buy the rest of the trilogy. Thanks Paul - great stuff.

-- George Krashos

George,

Thanks for that. I appreciate it a great deal.

I've been told that TF stands fairly well on its own (i.e., it makes sense and the characters come through even for folks who haven't read "Halls of Stormweather" and "Shadow's Witness") and I'm glad that seems to be true.

Greetings Paul, I really have enjoyed reading your works on Shadow Witness, Book 1 and 2 of Erevis Cale trilogy, a pity I have yet to get book 3 of this impressive trilogy. But if you permit, can I ask what is meant by "two and two makes four" for Erevis Cale, is this sentence a kind of portent into Cale's destiny or does it concern his comrades and him? I have a difficult time trying to sort this question out.

We have fostered trust, recruited loyalty, and gathered the faithful. We have trained thousands. Our legions can cover the land, fill the sky and travel through the darkness. We can hunt any and all that would deny our heritage. Now is our time, now is the time of the Dark Reign(Rain) of the Empire of Shadows. - High Prince Telemont Tanthul, Lord ShadowIn a speech given to the citizens of Shade EnclaveAt the celebration of the Shinantra Battle victory when he revealed that he was THE Lord Shadow of legend.

Greetings Paul, I really have enjoyed reading your works on Shadow Witness, Book 1 and 2 of Erevis Cale trilogy, a pity I have yet to get book 3 of this impressive trilogy. But if you permit, can I ask what is meant by "two and two makes four" for Erevis Cale, is this sentence a kind of portent into Cale's destiny or does it concern his comrades and him? I have a difficult time trying to sort this question out.

Shadovar,

The phrase, "Two and two are four" is/was Sephris's way of trying to tell Cale that his fate is predetermined, that the answer will always be the same no matter what he does. CAle does not like that idea, but this is why Cale sometimes thinks of those words when he comes face to face with the idea that he is what he is, even if he doesn't like it. Make sense?

A wee while back we discussed the final book of the WotSQ series on the livejournal board ( http://www.livejournal.com/users/paulskemp/10749.html?view=68861#t68861 ). Now, some people are pretty canon bound and regard information only as canon when it appears in some written form. On the named board you gave some info on the results of the War and I wonder whether you can elaborate on the new ranking of the Spider Queen. Was that an intention by the Wizards, i.e., did you have the authority to call her a (well, there are no real spoiler markings that I can find) the goddess she is now?

Are there any publishing dates set for the "Realms-shaking" new Erevis trilogy?

All the best, Zanan!

Cave quid dicis, quando et cui!

Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel!

In memory of Alura Durshavin.

Visit my "Homepage" to find A Guide to the Drow NPCs of Faerûn, Drow and non-Drow PrC and much more.

I understand that Lolth's reclassification was one of WotC's purposes for WotSQ.

As for the next Cale trilogy, I don't have firm dates. I believe "Shadowbred" will be released in late '06.

Paul

Thanks for this info!

Regarding Erevis, am I right to assume that he SPOILER

....... ... gained the shade template (FRCS) rather than the shadowwalker one (Unapproachable East) during his stay in the Fane of Shadows? Given the description, he appeared to me much like the former..........SPOILER END. I haven't yet read the thrid part of that trilogy though.

Zanan

Cave quid dicis, quando et cui!

Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel!

In memory of Alura Durshavin.

Visit my "Homepage" to find A Guide to the Drow NPCs of Faerûn, Drow and non-Drow PrC and much more.

What`s the difference between the shade and the shadowwalker templates?

Khorne,

There is a fair bit of overlap between the two, at least in terms of in-game effects.

In terms of the non-game effects, a shade is a person who has swapped out the essence of his being for the stuff of shadow (rendering him very long lived). A shadow walker is a worshipper of Mask granted special powers over shadowstuff, though he or she otherwise remains fully human.

I don't have a question really, I just wanted to stop in and thank Mr. Kemp for writing Midnight's Mask. I just finished it, and wow. In my opinion, the definitive Realms novels now consist of three; Evermeet, Death of the Dragon, and Midnight's Mask.

I don't have a question really, I just wanted to stop in and thank Mr. Kemp for writing Midnight's Mask. I just finished it, and wow. In my opinion, the definitive Realms novels now consist of three; Evermeet, Death of the Dragon, and Midnight's Mask.

I can't wait to see what's in Store in the next trilogy.

Aginor,

That is high praise indeed. I'm flattered and immensely pleased that you enjoyed Midnight's Mask and the Cale trilogy overall.

I don't have a question really, I just wanted to stop in and thank Mr. Kemp for writing Midnight's Mask. I just finished it, and wow. In my opinion, the definitive Realms novels now consist of three; Evermeet, Death of the Dragon, and Midnight's Mask.

I can't wait to see what's in Store in the next trilogy.

Well met, Aginor37

Indeed, very good to hear. 'tis a shame ye missed out on the Midnight's Mask Book Club. Feel free to have a flick through the book to find out any particular areas ye wish to discuss with others, however

Well, I've just finished book 2 in the trilogy and have to congratulate Paul again. Very impressive. Of course, I'm now dealing well with the cliffhanger ending (Riven, how could you!?) but naturally it's whetted my appetite for more. Good stuff and well done.

-- George Krashos

"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus

Well, I've just finished book 2 in the trilogy and have to congratulate Paul again. Very impressive. Of course, I'm now dealing well with the cliffhanger ending (Riven, how could you!?) but naturally it's whetted my appetite for more. Good stuff and well done.

-- George Krashos

Thank you, George. On the plus side, the cliffhanger doesn't have to keep you in suspense very long -- Midnight's Mask is available (in Australia too, I hope).

I don't have a question really, I just wanted to stop in and thank Mr. Kemp for writing Midnight's Mask. I just finished it, and wow. In my opinion, the definitive Realms novels now consist of three; Evermeet, Death of the Dragon, and Midnight's Mask.

I can't wait to see what's in Store in the next trilogy.

Aginor, don't you consider Cormyr : A novel by Ed as one of the definitive Realms novels - I am shocked beyond words

"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm

Well, Paul, here's my questions, but first, thank you very much for the Cale trilogy, incredible one, it was.

1. What will the plot of the Twilight War be? You said Kesson Rel would play a large part, and the Shadovar...will Telamont possibly be looking to expand?

2. What plans do you have for Azriim? Will he feature as an enemy to Cale and Riven or will he look to make his way in the world and hunger for a new transformation? I'd love to see him take on the heroes again, such a fun evil monster.